HPA Press Statement
25 May 2007
Confirmation of Avian Influenza H7N2 Infection
The Health Protection Agency is providing expert support and advice to the National Public Health Service for Wales after an H7N2 avian influenza infection was found in birds on a small farm in north Wales. The Agency has carried out tests on specimens from nine people associated with the incident; seven are from Wales and two were from north west England.
Four of the test results were positive - two of these were from Wales and two were from north west England.The remaining five test results came back as negative. However because these five cases were associated with the birds and had a compatible illness, they are being treated as a precaution.
H7N2 is a low pathogenic strain of avian flu. It is different to the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain currently circulating in South East Asia, and in Europe last year. In almost all human cases to date, H7N2 infection has generally been associated with a mild disease. The risk to the general public is considered to be very low.
Pat Troop, Chief Executive of the Health Protection Agency said:-
?As a routine precaution, we have tested those who were associated with the infected or dead birds and reported flu-like symptoms. We tested samples from nine people in our laboratories and confirmed infection in four.
?These test results confirm that human infection with the avian flu virus has occurred. The cases so far have been associated with the infected birds. ?It is important to remember that H7N2 avian flu remains largely a disease of birds.
The virus does not transmit easily to humans. Worldwide, almost all human H7N2 infections documented so far, including those associated with this most recent incident, have been associated with infected poultry.
Three of the nine individuals were initially hospitalised. They have all, however, now been discharged.
The National Public Health Service for Wales and HPA North West is tracing and following up all close contacts of the individuals who have been ill as a precautionary measure.
Notes to Editors:
1. For further information please contact the HPA Press Office on 0208 327 7097/7098/6055. Out of hours please call 020 8200 44002.
2. For further information about avian flu go to: http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/influenza/avian/default.htm
3. A Q&A information sheet prepared by The National Public Health Service for Wales and is available to download from the link: Q&A Avian Influenza in North Wales.
Situation updates are also available from the Welsh Assembly Government website at: http://new.wales.gov.uk/news/presreleasearchive/1469510/?lang=en.
A map detailing the Avian Influenza Restricted Zone declared in accordance with Article 55 of the Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (Wales) (No.2) Order 2006 is also given on the Welsh Assembly website at: Welsh Assembly Government Avian Influenza Restricted Zone
4. As part of the tracing exercise, and epidemiological investigation, Defra would like to hear from anyone, who has not already been contacted by Animal Health officials, who has:
There is absolutely no reason for anyone to abandon their birds (or any other pet) because of any fears or worries of infection from avian influenza. This is an offence under the abandonment of Animals Act. The welfare of birds is seriously compromised when they are abandoned and they are at risk from starvation or accident and are more vulnerable to disease.
All those persons wishing to seek general information about animal health should not call the local Animal Health office, but should call the Defra Helpline on 08459 33 55 77, or visit the Defra website at www.defra.gov.uk.
Further biosecurity guidance can be found on the Avian Influenza pages on the Defra website at: www.defra.gov.uk
25 May 2007
Confirmation of Avian Influenza H7N2 Infection
The Health Protection Agency is providing expert support and advice to the National Public Health Service for Wales after an H7N2 avian influenza infection was found in birds on a small farm in north Wales. The Agency has carried out tests on specimens from nine people associated with the incident; seven are from Wales and two were from north west England.
Four of the test results were positive - two of these were from Wales and two were from north west England.The remaining five test results came back as negative. However because these five cases were associated with the birds and had a compatible illness, they are being treated as a precaution.
H7N2 is a low pathogenic strain of avian flu. It is different to the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain currently circulating in South East Asia, and in Europe last year. In almost all human cases to date, H7N2 infection has generally been associated with a mild disease. The risk to the general public is considered to be very low.
Pat Troop, Chief Executive of the Health Protection Agency said:-
?As a routine precaution, we have tested those who were associated with the infected or dead birds and reported flu-like symptoms. We tested samples from nine people in our laboratories and confirmed infection in four.
?These test results confirm that human infection with the avian flu virus has occurred. The cases so far have been associated with the infected birds. ?It is important to remember that H7N2 avian flu remains largely a disease of birds.
The virus does not transmit easily to humans. Worldwide, almost all human H7N2 infections documented so far, including those associated with this most recent incident, have been associated with infected poultry.
Three of the nine individuals were initially hospitalised. They have all, however, now been discharged.
The National Public Health Service for Wales and HPA North West is tracing and following up all close contacts of the individuals who have been ill as a precautionary measure.
Notes to Editors:
1. For further information please contact the HPA Press Office on 0208 327 7097/7098/6055. Out of hours please call 020 8200 44002.
2. For further information about avian flu go to: http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/influenza/avian/default.htm
3. A Q&A information sheet prepared by The National Public Health Service for Wales and is available to download from the link: Q&A Avian Influenza in North Wales.
Situation updates are also available from the Welsh Assembly Government website at: http://new.wales.gov.uk/news/presreleasearchive/1469510/?lang=en.
A map detailing the Avian Influenza Restricted Zone declared in accordance with Article 55 of the Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (Wales) (No.2) Order 2006 is also given on the Welsh Assembly website at: Welsh Assembly Government Avian Influenza Restricted Zone
4. As part of the tracing exercise, and epidemiological investigation, Defra would like to hear from anyone, who has not already been contacted by Animal Health officials, who has:
- Purchased from or supplied to Chelford Market in Cheshire on Monday 7 May 2007 or
- Any poultry keeper who visited Chelford Market on this date whose birds have subsequently become ill.
- These people should contact their local Animal Health Office (details to be found at www.defra.gov.uk/animalhealth) or from the Defra helpline 08459 33 55 77 (open between 9am - 5pm 7 days a week).
There is absolutely no reason for anyone to abandon their birds (or any other pet) because of any fears or worries of infection from avian influenza. This is an offence under the abandonment of Animals Act. The welfare of birds is seriously compromised when they are abandoned and they are at risk from starvation or accident and are more vulnerable to disease.
All those persons wishing to seek general information about animal health should not call the local Animal Health office, but should call the Defra Helpline on 08459 33 55 77, or visit the Defra website at www.defra.gov.uk.
Further biosecurity guidance can be found on the Avian Influenza pages on the Defra website at: www.defra.gov.uk
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